Urgent Message from PETA: Winter Survival Tips for Animals in the Greater Rochester Area

Monroe County, N.Y. – As a winter storm is affecting Monroe County, animals are at risk and can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposure, become dehydrated when water sources ice over, and die. Already this winter, there have been at least 46 cold weather–related animal deaths—and these are just the ones that have been reported. Most are not.

These are some of the numerous dog deaths across the U.S. that have been reported:

While responding to a complaint in Butler County, Ohio, the local dog warden found a German shepherd dead inside his doghouse. Although there were four bales of straw on the owners’ front porch, they hadn’t put any straw bedding in the doghouse.

Keep animals indoors. Freezing temperatures spell extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements and are unable to help, note their location and alert authorities immediately. (For information regarding what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.)

In cold weather, you can provide birds and other animals with access to water by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice twice a day. When weather improves, be sure to remove any food offerings to encourage animals to move on to warmer areas.

Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted.